The Dish: Childhood memories brought back to life

By Kirsten Yard, For The Trentonian

Friday, November 2, 2012

I’m a huge fan of Italian cooking thanks to the wonderful Italian friends I had growing up who invited me to have dinner at their homes, and share in tasty homemade meals made from recipes that were passed down from generation to generation in their families. For that I am truly grateful! So, when Casa Gangone restaurant in Florence, N.J. invited me to try their homemade dishes made from their family recipes, I more than obliged. The invitation appealed to me since that’s how I personally came to love Italian cuisine, from my friends’ kitchen tables.

Casa Gangone, which recently opened in May, is a new restaurant venture for The Gangone Family who also own Rocco’s Pizza in Florence, NJ. Rocco’s has been in business over 30 years when Rocco came to the United States from Italy and after a year ventured into the pizza business with his wife Anna. Serving classic pizza parlor type items like amazing pizza, cheese steaks and calzones, Rocco’s is a popular name in the town of Florence. Both of their sons, Luca and Lorenzo are involved in the business. Luca cooks primarily at Casa Gangone and Lorezno works between the two businesses, both of which share the same kitchen. The idea of Casa Gangone came into play when the family wanted to create a true Italian dining experience sharing with their customers the same homemade dishes the Gangone’s prepare in their own homes. And, in my opinion, they have done this incredibly well.

I arrived on a Wednesday evening with my friend, and foodie sidekick Phil, our belly’s empty and ready to try all kinds of delicious mouth watering dishes. And that we did. We were greeted, seated and given spectacular service by our waitress Ariana. Prior to our arrival, I found out they were a BYOB, so we brought a bottle of red wine and it enjoyed it with our tasting. The anticipation was such that I had to peak at the menu online ahead of time to get a feel for all the delicious choices. I was eager to try a few items that struck my fancy and others that I heard were winners.

Before ordering, we learned the raviolis and peppardelle (wider pasta, also known as “tags”) were homemade, along with the lasagna, sauce, meatballs and rice balls, among other items. In addition, each meal is served with soup or salad and a delicious loaf of crispy warm bread which is infused with olive oil and herbs.

I began by trying the rice balls which come with four in an order. If I had to describe them in one word I would say, “Incredible!” Crispy balls of rice and beef with a fried coating served with a marinara sauce for dipping; $5! Outside of the amazing taste, I was especially impressed that this is one of their oldest family recipes, made by Anna Gangone herself. I next thoroughly enjoyed the Toscana Salad (roasted red peppers, gorgonzola, grilled shrimp over spring mix); $7.50. This salad was a meal in itself, with four huge grilled shrimp, and a decent amount of gorgonzola, too! It was delicious.

When eating at my friends’ homes, my constant favorite meal was, and still is, pasta with homemade sauce and meatballs. It’s a classic dish, encompassing taste and tradition. So of course, it wouldn’t have been a true trip down memory lane without trying the pasta with meatballs. I enthusiastically ordered the Peppardelle Marinara with meatballs; $13.50. Yummo! The sign of a good meal for me is when I wear some of it on my clothes and in this case the marinara sauce splattered all over my sweater, right before I took my first bite! And when I did, it was great! Hearty, with a good texture, this particular pasta has now become one I will order more often.

Phil started his meal with the Cochette di Patate appetizer (lightly breaded and fried croquette filled with potato) with marina dipping sauce. Four good size croquettes of mashed potato were heaven to his mouth! Next he enjoyed the chicken soup (he said it’s the best he’s had in awhile) with a homemade broth. For his meal, he ordered Chicken Parmigiana, served with pasta (he choose Peppardelle, too);$14. He said the chicken was fork tender, and not before long, his plate was empty!

After finishing our main courses, we met and chatted with Luca for a bit and he shared that he learned how to cook from watching his mother and grandmother in the kitchen. He said he loves to see people happy and enjoying the food he has prepared for them. We then met his mother Anna, and they both told us about their family still participating in traditional weekly Sunday dinners that include pasta, which is a staple in their homes! Then Lorenzo, and finally Rocco himself, came to meet us! They were so down to earth, warm and welcoming; it felt like we were a part of their family!

Finally, as if we hadn’t already gone up a pant’s size, ending the meal with dessert and cappuccino was encouraged. I am so glad it was, too! Ariana suggested the homemade Limoncillo Cake and the Pumpkin Spice Cake. I tried both, along with a homemade cappuccino. Each was fabulous but my favorite was the Limoncello Cake, a refreshing, light lemony cake with whipped creamy icing; a perfect way to end a most memorable meal.

What an incredibly fun experience for both me and Phil. It definitely brought back memories of my childhood feasting on the Italian delights. The Gangone’s are friendly, attuned to every detail, and make it their priority for you to enjoy substantial portions of delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere. The love they pour into preparing good food directly benefits their guests.

Casa Gangone is a perfect spot for family gatherings, meeting a friend for dinner or for a romantic evening out! As the holiday season of giving approaches, we would definitely recommend visiting and picking up a few gifts cards to give your family and friends so they, too, can try out this little “gem” in Florence. Open 7 days a week (Minus Holidays): Monday - Saturday: 4: 00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sunday: 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.